Abstract:
Between 2012 – 2018, YiA, a youth in agriculture and livelihood program was implemented to improve agricultural livelihood opportunities for girls and boys in four districts in Uganda that were heavily affected by conflict until 2004. This led to high levels of poverty, with limited employment opportunities and under-functioning market systems. By the end of the program YiA reached over 12,000 youth, of which (55%) were women. Nearly 94% were economically active; participants reported more diversified incomes and higher savings, both of which improvements protected them from seasonal market volatilities. However, discriminatory norms and practices underlie persistent gender inequalities.